The Wandering Jew — Volume 01 eBook

“The proof is, that there are ten florins to
earn to-night—­and you will be keen enough
to earn them, I am sure.”

“Why, on those terms, yes—­I am awake,”
said the giant, smiling with a stupid, self-satisfied
air. “What must I do for ten florins?”

“You shall see.”

“Is it hard work?”

“You shall see. Begin by going to the burgomaster’s—­but
first light the fire in that stove.” He
pointed to it with his finger.

“Yes, master,” said Goliath, somewhat
consoled for the delay of his supper by the hope of
gaining ten florins.

“Put that iron bar in the stove,” added
the Prophet, “to make it red-hot.”

“Yes, master.”

“You will leave it there; go to the burgomaster’s,
and return here to wait for me.”

“Yes, master.

“You will keep the fire up in the stove.”

“Yes, master.”

Morok took a step away, but recollecting himself,
he resumed: “You say the old man is busy
washing under the porch?”

“Yes, master.”

“Forget nothing: the iron bar in the fire—­the
burgomaster—­and return here to wait my
orders.” So saying, Morok descended by the
trap-door and disappeared.

CHAPTER IV.

Morok and Dagobert

Goliath had not been mistaken, for Dagobert was washing
with that imperturbable gravity with which he did
everything else.

When we remember the habits of a soldier a-field,
we need not be astonished at this apparent eccentricity.
Dagobert only thought of sparing the scanty purse
of the orphans, and of saving them all care and trouble;
so every evening when they came to a halt he devoted
himself to all sorts of feminine occupations.
But he was not now serving his apprenticeship in these
matters; many times, during his campaigns, he had
industriously repaired the damage and disorder which
a day of battle always brings to the garments of the
soldier; for it is not enough to receive a sabre-cut—­the
soldier has also to mend his uniform; for the stroke
which grazes the skin makes likewise a corresponding
fissure in the cloth.

Therefore, in the evening or on the morrow of a hard-fought
engagement, you will see the best soldiers (always
distinguished by their fine military appearance) take
from their cartridge-box or knapsack a housewife,
furnished with needles, thread, scissors, buttons,
and other such gear, and apply themselves to all kinds
of mending and darning, with a zeal that the most
industrious workwoman might envy.

We could not find a better opportunity to explain
the name of Dagobert, given to Francis Baudoin (the
guide of the orphans) at a time when he was considered
one of the handsomest and bravest horse-grenadiers
of the Imperial Guard.